by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
Favourite for gold but of course favourites do not always win; however, one fact is certain, a new name will be added to the ITTF World Junior Circuit roll of honour.
No player competing in San Salvador has ever won an ITTF World Junior Circuit Girls’ Singles title.
Latter Stages in Paraguay
The nearest is Janina Nieto who has enjoyed success in Paraguay. In 2015 she was the runner up; earlier this year she advanced to the quarter-final round.
Likewise, Guatemala’s Lucia Cordero, Puerto Rico’s Nicole Malave and Ecuador’s Mylena Plaza have all reached the latter stages without advancing those precious few extra steps.
Last year Lucia Cordero was a quarter-finalist Guatemala; Nicole Malave reached the same round in Guatemala and on home soil in Peru, whilst earlier this year, Mylena Plaza advanced to the same round in Paraguay.
Seeded Positions
In San Salvador Lucia Cordero is the no.2 seed with Nicole Malave being the no.3 seed; Mylena Plaza occupies the no.8 seeded position.
Sandwiched in between are Ecuador’s Eunice Galvez followed by El Salvador trio comprising Emme Arias, Keren Constanza and Gabriela Suarez.
All are familiar names in Latin America and are more than worthy contenders for honours; notably Gabriela Suarez represented the continent at the 2014 ITTF World Cadet Challenge in Barbados.
Cadet Girls’ Singles
Formidable opponents in the Junior Girls’ Singles event; Lucia Cordero, Nicole Malave, Keren Constanza, Gabriela Suarez and Mylena Plaza are also major contenders for honours in the Cadet Girls’ Singles competition.
They are the top four seeds.
Team Events Commence
Play commences with the Junior Girls’ Team and Cadet Girls’ Team events; the Junior Girls’ Singles event begins on Saturday 27th August.
